Why is Apologetics Needed? Part 1: Answers to Questions

Why do we need Christian apologetics? Why should believers be ready to give an answer for what they believe and why they believe it? Here are a few reasons why I think apologetics is needed.

I. Apologetics is needed because Christians will inevitably need to answer questions and correct misconceptions about the Way.

The proclamation of the Gospel from the evangelist’s lips always went hand-and-hand with the giving of well-reasoned responses to questions related to why Christians believe what they believe along with why they were doing what they were doing. For example, the Apostle Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to assist an Ethiopian eunuch, who was having trouble understanding Isaiah 53:7-8, Philip seized the occasion of answering to question as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel, and the Ethiopian received water baptism upon understanding and believing that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s messianic prophecy (Acts 8:26-40).

When Paul and Barnabas were ministering in Lystra, a crippled man was miraculously healed, but the witnesses mistook them for pagan gods — Barnabas for Zeus and Paul for Hermes — and started preparing a sacrifice in their honor. Yet, the two apostles intervened, they tore their clothes, and said, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them” (Acts 14:8-18).¹

Second century Christians refused to pay homage to pagan deities, and Rome condemned them of as atheists! Justin Martyr responded, “We confess that we are atheists, so far as gods of this sort are concerned, but not with respect to the most true God, the Father of righteousness and temperance and the other virtues, who is free from all impurity” (First Apology 7).

Even today there are misconceptions about Christianity which need to be addressed. Antichristian slogans abound like “Christians are bigots,” “Christians are intolerant,” “Christians are sexist,” “Christians are homophobic,” “Christians favor the wealthy,” and so on. But none of these things really represent authentic Christianity, and Christians are to offer well-reasoned responses to them with gentleness and respect

Various sorts of occasions come about where it becomes necessary for believers to offer clarification about the way. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter teaches that Christians are “to make a defense to anyone who asks.” Simon J. Kistemaker indicates “In some instances the Christian must defend himself against verbal attacks from hostile unbelievers. At other times he is asked to teach the gospel to a neighbor who shows genuine interest in understanding the Christian religion.”² With all gentleness and respect believers give reasons why they believe what they believe.

The apologetic task of offering well-reasoned answers to questions and corrections to misconceptions about the Way ultimately goes hand in hand with the fulfilling of Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). The message of the evangelist can be obscured by misconceptions about Christianity and offering well-reasoned responses to the distortions of the faith can open a door or opportunity for sharing the True Light. Explaining to others why Christ’s followers believe what they believe is ultimately just part of everyday Christianity.

To be continued….

— WGN